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DocBauer

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Everything posted by DocBauer

  1. DocBauer
    Hmmm....not sure most of my posts are LESS than 2000 words. Lol Great to hear the backstories of our favorite site! Very sorry the Vikings sister site didn't work out. I visited it frequently.
  2. DocBauer
    What offers me encouragement still is his age, and the uptick in SO the first half of last season in Ft Myers. If his start at AA this season is similar, I will remain encouraged. Despite a need at the ML level for top pitching, I wonder if Stewart would be better off at AA for the entire season, or at least the majority of it.
  3. DocBauer
    While they are years awat, there are some young arms in the low minors that should bear watching with excitement over the next few years, and I include Thorpe on that list due to injury and illness. But I think he is clearly a guy who could be a fast riser. Obviously, Mejia at AAA and Romero at Ft Myers, for now, along with the collection at AA is where immediate attention and hope reside. We can complain all we want to that no "expert" opinion has any of these guys as a top of the rotation option, though Romero could be. But with any young pitcher with talent, it's just so hard to truly predict what they will yet become. Even on reaching the majors and throwing well, a lot of future ACE and top starters still take a year or two or more to become that guy. I have a lot of excitement to see what these guys, and Berrios, accomplish this season. Unfortunately, I also see fodder at AAA and think a few of these guys will not be in the organization for lkng. I get that you need to fill out the Rochester staff and you might get lucky with someone who gives you depth and a lift when injuries hit. But it is my sincere hope May and Berrios will be in the rotation for the majority, if not the entire, season. They need the time and development opportunity going forward.
  4. DocBauer
    I spent the first 10 years of my life in South Dakota, where I learned the game and became a Twins fan via my father, which I have mentioned before. I am fortunate enough that my 40+ years while living in Nebraska I can still receive most Twins games via the radio. A little over 5 years ago I discovered Sethspeaks and other websites to follow the Twins and their milb affiliates more easily than scouring over snippets in various printed materials, (though some like Baseball America and others did provide quality information). I am hopelessly addicted to my beloved Twins and this website. I visit often daily and my tablet and phone are probably weary from all the refreshing I do on daily basis, lol. THANK YOU to everyone, not just the owners, but all who share here, for a fantastic site and community!
  5. DocBauer
    Catcher: I am absolutely excited to see what he does with the staff, but as the article alludes to, it make time to see his affect. He not only has to learn the pitchers, but they have to learn him. His experience, habit's, communicstion, game planning and management, framing, etc, could all be outstanding. But there are not necessarily stats for these areas. Really excited to see what Garver can do when he gets his shot. I really hoped it's right out of the gate, giving Castro the necessary days off, as well as platooning against LHP. If the team decides he should play daily initially at Rochester,mi won't be too upset, but I may even a bit disappointed. Rotation: There could, indeed, be a roster crunch initially, depending on Hughes, and to a lesser degree, Duffey, and even Haley. I've seen enough of Duffey to not give up on him as a SP, but he may still fit better now, as well as long term, in the pen. Haley could surprise, and I'm betting the TWINS work out something to keep him in the organization regardless. For now, I'm actually thinking he and Duffey both in the pen. Hughes is big wildcard for this team. Whether it's immediately, a month or so in to the season, or for the second half, a fully healthy Hughes even close to his 2014 self is HUGE. Could it happen? I don't know. Nobody does. He could be anything from a high quality starter, to a closer, a setup man, or nothing. My best guess is he doesn't begin the season on the active roster, taking some time to ramp up, and the rotation is Santana, Gibson, Santiago, May and Berrios. If, by some chance, Hughes IS ready from day one in the rotation, I'd sure hate to see May or Berrios lose out. Bullpen: Kintzler, Belize, Pressly, Chargois and Rogers are almost all written in pen. Very possibly Duffey and Haley as well. That leaves Bristow, Boshers and O'Rourke fighting for the second LH spot, or, room for Hughes, (doubtful) or a surprise riser. No room for Hildenberger, Reed, etc? That's OK. I'm fine with that. Rochester's bullpen should be loaded, and this roster will be in flux all season.
  6. DocBauer
    100% honest, I was impressed with what Walker produced, power and RBI and a sense of consistency through his 5 milb seasons. I was tantalize by what he might produce if he could continue to produce at the same level, overall, and maintain his level of production the majors. And I kept hearing his arm was good and he was a great athlete, and in time his defense would catch up and he'd be at least OK in that department. But I am kind of tired of the Walker vs Palka comparisons. I am not going to do the research for every single statistical comparison to the two. But I have looked at the most basic numbers between them. Overall, 5 milb seasons for Walker vs Palka's 4: Walker: .251BA/ .310OB/ .487SLG/ .796OPS Palka: .273BA/ .350OB/ .508SLG/ .859OPS SB and SB% almost identical, though Palka has a couple more in one less season. Not saying Palka will be good, much less great,but thus far, he ranks ahead of Walker in BA, OB%, SLG% and OPS. Same age within days of one another, one less season of time for Palka. Can we stop with the comparisons? Palka seems to clearly be a better prospect.
  7. DocBauer
    A few thoughts: 1] Is Wade one of those guys just so all around good that he sort of sneaks up on you as to how all around good he really is? 2] Palka hits decently, and has hit at every level, thus far, with some normal adjustment period. He will probably always SO more than you'd like, but he also takes walks. He power is definitely there. And he seems to move very well. I'm excited for him and wonder if he's not the heir for 1B while still being able to play the OF. 3] Big believer in Garver's all around ability and think he will be very solid. 4] Have we all fallen asleep on Jorge and his potential?
  8. DocBauer
    I remain absolutely convinced that Sano will be at least an adequate 3B given opportunity and work. Coming up, we heard he worked hard on his defense and took pride in such. His first couple seasons, he has seen time, perhaps too much, at DH to allow Plouffe time in the infield, and, of course, the I'll planned experiment in RF last season before being moved to 3B after not being allowed to play there, per Molitor. (Or something to that affect). He's working hard this offseason, lost a bit of bulk, and probably got humbled a bit and frustrated last season. He charges the ball well. He's got a cannon. And for the umpteenth time, look no further than the Twins own past excellent 3B to see it takes a little time to settle down and learn. Mauer is quality at 1B and can still contribute offensively if used properly. SSS or not, look at the OPS Vargas put up, look at his milb track history, read about the adjustments he's made begining last season, and then tell me he doesn't deserve a real shot! I may have included Palka on this list, despite being an OF, because of the DH and 1B option. I've been thinking for a while now he could be the heir to Mauer there while still being able to play some corner OF as needed. Bit of a man crush on Goodrum. Seems he's been around forever. But he's only 24, has had a couple injury setbacks, and is a talented athlete. I am hoping his 2016 was not a mirage. If not, we could see him sooner rather than later, and he could be what we all hoped and thought DanSan might be: a guy who can play 4-6 positions adequately and provide a mixed bag of overall production. Other than Cabbage, maybe White and Molina, I find the rest to be "meh". There is some potential there, but I think 2017 is a prove it or lose it for a lot of these guys.
  9. DocBauer
    I am a big believer in Vargas and have championed him for some time. At various times, he has hitter better LH and RH, indicating he has the ability to perform from both sides of the plate, at least to some degree. His mild numbers indicate strong OPS and pretty consistent power numbers. He may always SO more than you'd like, but that is not uncommon for a slugger. He has also shown a willingness to work the count and take some free passes. That is NOT a bad thing. He also has put in a lot of work at 1B, his batting approach, and his ability to put more lift in to his batted balls. (The article referenced above is absolutely worth the read!) For some who might argue he's been around for some time, he didn't even turn 26 until the season was over. And his usage has been sporadic. Again, as noted above, when in a groove, or even just coming off one, he's been benched or sent out for no good reason. Everything about his milb and ML production and potential screams out to be given a fair opportunity to see what he can do over time! Just give it to him and don't bench him or send him out after a few bad games. If that philosophy were sound, half your team would be benched at different times. Early Dozier 2016 ring a bell?
  10. DocBauer
    For the next couple 2-3 seasons, barring a trade, somewhat surprise signing or steal somewhere, the Twins middle infield will revolve around Dozier, Polanco, Escobar, Gordon and Vielma. And I'm OK with that. Not a single player 30 yet, and Escobar is the second oldest at 27-28. It's all good. There is some real quality and "solid" play here to work with. It's OK the next group is high A and lower, for now. These things come in waves. It's much like the OF, which is even younger with Rosario, Buxton, Kepler, even Grossman, Granite and Palka. Work with the talented guys you have, make a move if you have to or it seems right, and the next wave begins 2017 at high A.
  11. DocBauer
    Other than Gordon, who I have come around on after debating his selection without any really high grade marks, I believe the organizational strength is absolutely in Ft Myers and below. And I think there is some real talent there, though not close. I find Vielma to be intriguing because of his glove and his speed. He has hit .260, .270 and .271 at his last three primary stops. His OB% those same three seasons have been .313, .321 and .345. None of those numbers is great, but they show some consistency as well as some improvement for a glove first prospect. I am not ready to anoint him anything as of yet, he remains a punch & Judy hitter at this point, but with his reputed defense and some speed, if he can keep making contact and get OB even a little bit, he could be a factor. Gordon and Goodrum are what have me excited, along with Polanco. Polanco simply may not have what it takes to be a consistent ML SS. Period. But I also don't feel he's been handled properly in the past by the Twins. He's been up and down with hardly any playing time at the ML level while burning his options, then didn't play a single inning at SS in 2016 before being asked to once he came up to the Twins. And SS was and is clearly a need for the big league club. Huge problem with this! Maybe he turns out to be only average with his defense at SS at the ML level. But with real need and his offensive potential this is how you develop him? Escobar has real potential as aneeded internal bounce back option at SS, but you absolutely have to give Polanco a real opportunity. On a rebuilding club, even if 2B is his best and ultimate position, you have to see what you have in him for 2017 at the SS spot.
  12. DocBauer
    Did we forget about Goodrum? I'm still very high on him as being what we all thought and hoped DanSan might become.
  13. DocBauer
    A couple of points: The game is STILL played on the field. Which is more to the point of last season, where the Twins SHOULD have won 70+ games. But so many young pkayers, players playing out of position, roster mis-management and a whole slew of injuries curtailed the season before it really began. How much of some of that is on Molitor vs Ryan is something we will probably never know. This year's team is also supposed to be 70+ wins. Two entirely different seasons with expectedly similar results despite roster turnover and hopeful everyday improvement from young prospects. Hard to define isn't it? I could actually see this team very easily hitting 80 wins with health and development. I hate the 20+ win improvement as it'stands an entirely new season with a different roster and everyone starts out 0-0. Didn't I read or hear somewhere last season, that at some point at least, the Twins actually had a better record against winning teams than losing record teams? The jury, and my personal opinion, on Molitor is still out. But I love the young talent on the roster, and the promise they bring. I think this team absolutely could hit 80 wins with good health.
  14. DocBauer
    Personally, I've written off Harrison at this point. There have been moments and streaks, but nothing close to consistency or anything approximating fulfilling is initial potential. But I like the idea of advancing him at this point, challenging him, and seeing what happens. Sometimes a guy gets challenged...maybe just isn't comfortable at a level or the ballpark and league he's in...and suddenly starts to find himself. This is his make or break year.
  15. DocBauer
    I would include Buxton in learning lessons. All three guys are very, very talented with great projections ahead, but I believe all three will run hot and cold at times. But isn't that the nature of baseball and prayers in general? All three of these guys will grow and develop over the season and build for 2018 and beyond. Buxton: I'm still unsure if his best fit will be batting leadoff, supplying power and speed, or second, where he can provide the same, but may see RBI opportunities. I've thought for a time that ultimately, probably a few years down the road, the power may develop more as the speed slows a bit...which would still make him very fast...and he might slide down to a more generous RBI slot. Kepler: I've said for a while now that I really believe he is the Twins future #3 hitter. That future could come as early as this season, and he did hit in the entire spot at times last season. I see him as a slightly poorer version of Mauer as a hitter, but with more power and better speed. It's his potential as an overall performer that really intrigues me. Could he slide to somewhere like the Twins hole to allow Buxton to hit 3rd eventually? Maybe. Rosario: With his tool set, it would be wonderful to see him hit somewhere at the top of the lineup. (Something Molitor also wishes and played with briefly) But his aggressive nature will probably never allow this. But let me point out yet again his rush to the majors and only approximately 780 AB, and the fact that in his milb career, his OB% was usually about 40 points higher than his BA. Stupendous? No. But solid and gives hope that in time, and with additional experience, he will not be quite the wild swinger he has shown at times. I've seen him compared to Puckett-lite as a hitter and I think that's pretty accurate. I've maintained for some time now that once he gets his feet firmly plated at the ML level, he will be a doubles machine and a consistent high teen and very probably low 20's HR producer with SB and taking extra base ability. There is no question he is the most enigmatic of the Twins young OF, but I think he will be a quality producer...given some time...hitting anywhere between the 5-7 spots. Granite or English will probably be the eventual 4th OF with Palka being the 5th, while DH or possibly even becoming the primary 1B post Mauer, with the ability to still cover the OF corners.
  16. DocBauer
    LH or not, I absolutely see a future role for Palka as a backup corner OF, DH or even 1B. I'm really hoping he has the glove for 1B.
  17. DocBauer
    I am super excited by the Twins starting OF and am expecting highs and lows over the course of the season as they are all three very young and still learning. But the talent and potential is outstanding! I still don't like Grossman as the 4th OF and prefer him as the 5th OF/DH/PH, but if he can improve his defense even a little I could see him helping in a corner a day here and there against LHP. Not going to pile on DanSan a there has been enough of that. But talk about a disappointment. I expected regression after 2014 but also thought he'd improve in other areas and be a nice utility player. I get keeping him around for a while longer...still young and athletic...but I think his days are numbered. On the milb side of things, I remain excited for Palka. He may always strike out more than you'd like, but the power is legitimate, he's not immune to walks, and he can hit some too. Also excited for Granite but suspect English will end up being the better ballplayer eventually. There is definitely some filler at the top two levels, but what strikes me is the number of quality athletes at the lower levels. There is still a long way to go for some of these guys, and being "toolsy" doesn't guarantee success at all. But if you have a number of those "toolsy" outfielders, you have to figure a couple will develop. And honestly, with the youth of the Twins OF as it stands today, it's OK to only have a couple guys knocking at the door at the moment.
  18. DocBauer
    I'll be totally honest guys, the pen has me stumped. I love to speculate and put pen to paper for all kinds of roster's and lineups and I just don't know how this is going to turn out. I get all the high potential RP arms that are rising through the system, but really, right now, only Chargois has pitched above AA with any significance. I'm a big fan and believer in Melotakis, but he was pretty much limited to not pitching consecutive days in 2016. Will the new regime be more aggressive with him over a year post surgery? Perhaps. And I would absolutely love to see him force his way on to the club. But I'm betting he begins the season in AAA initially. Hildenberger intrigues me immensely and I think he could be for real. But again, no time above AA. I can't believe the FO moved to acquire Haley and won't keep him in some capacity, via RP spot or trade. Duffey has to have a spot somewhere doesn't he? O'Rourke has proven to be effective when/if used properly. Bang on Boshers all you want because he wasn't a top prospect and came from independent ball, but he was actually good except for a couple of games and had very solid K numbers. The whole point is I'm rambling because I just don't know at this point. And as stated by others, these things DO have a way of working themselves out. I DON'T think our bullpen is anything to brag about at this point, but I DO think there are enough interesting options here to think we should be better...may be building something...and could/should have the best bullpen we've had in a few years. And I believe it will be in a state of Flux throughout the season. Quantity does not necessarily mean or equal quality. But in this case, I think there is enough quantity of potential to be a little bit excited for what is to come.
  19. DocBauer
    Absolutely agree with this. There is a whole college season to be played and some very interesting arms that could be available to the Twins. And no doubt a college arm with top of the rotation potential would be a "safer" pick than a HS arm, as well as being closer to the majors. But I confess to being a bit leary if that guy isn't already at the very top of the draft boards even before the season starts. Just like milb prospects, the switch can go on at any time. But should the first pick in the draft be the ONE GUY of 3 or 4 that has the best 2017 season? I hope that makes sense. There is still a lot of HS ball to played yet. With Greene's build and obvious overall athleticism, if he really is begining to develop and command his secondary stuff, risk of a HS being the #1 pick be damned, don't you just have to give him really serious consideration?
  20. DocBauer
    I get this move. One of the things I mentioned months ago is that after the Twins signed a RP or two, and quality 4th OF...still waiting on that one...I'd like to seexpand them pick up a couple quality milb infielders to fill out the Rochester team. The infield there seems pretty bare. And it's not about the Twins handing Rochester a competitive team, it's about having a couple guys there that you can bring up to play adequately if injuries hit without embarrassing themselves at the ML for a week or two. Light throws hard, and I'm not going to claim he doesn't have some potential, and maybe he gets it together for the Twins or someone else, but does he really seem like a guy who is going to challenge at this point? As looked at in another thread, the bullpen is starting to look a little crowded for competition, and that's a GOOD thing! Plus, coming to a ML Park near you soon...and we all know the names...Reed, Hildenberger, Burdi, still possibly Jones, and even Baxendale and Wimmers as possibilities. My biggest problem with this, and yes, he will probably be taken back off the roster with hopes of passing through waivers to play at AAA, is that I wish they'd do more. I was really, really hoping for a solid milb 3B for Rochester. I love Sano and believe in him, and I'm super intrigued by Goodrum maybe finally reaching his potential as a solid, versatile utility guy, but I'd sure like a quality milb veteran 3B who could be called up if an injury happens. Now...about that true 4th OF we still need......
  21. DocBauer
    Being selected after his senior season, and pretty high, and with his impressive debut, I wonder if he's being targeted for Ft Myers to begin 2017?
  22. DocBauer
    I still maintain that ownership's willingness to allow the new FO tandem to make a move like removing Park in the first place. There has been a lot of opinions stated over the past few years about ownership being cheap, not wanting to invest, etc. But other than insisting Molitor keep his job for 2017, which may have happened anyway and is not out of the norm form a first year "new FO" scenario, they seem to have let our new GM and Operations men do as they see fit. I still doubt Park gets claimed, which allows the Twins to keep him and see what develops. Really, it shouldn't be hard to find a spot on the 40 man for him if he does so. I get why DanSan is still on the roster...for now. But I still have to believe there are/were better options to go out and get. That would be one issue that I DO have with this offseason. I'd still like to see a real 4th OF brought in. With all due respect and no personal attack meant, removing guys like Albers and Dean are addition through subtraction. Good, mediocre or poor, there is some depth to the rotation going in to 2017. And if someone needs to slot in to the rotation, I'd much rather see Duffey, Haley, Mejia, Gonsalves or even Wheeler be that someone. At least you have someone new with some potential instead of a retread.
  23. DocBauer
    This goes back to the part of the interview I really liked where he talks about a pitcher's best pitch and maybe not using it as much as he should, or that a pitcher's perspective on a pitch working or not working may be skewed and the information gathered may show otherwise. Coaching and player development should always be geared to each player on a personal level.
  24. DocBauer
    I also disagree the Twins have no pitching talent coming up. Forgetting a couple interesting options way down in the minors, Berrios, May, Mejia, Gonsalves, Jay, Stewart, Jorge and Romero all have some real potential. Unlocking it and maximizing it is the key. Is there a sure fire #1 or #2 in there? Maybe. Maybe not. But it's difficult to look at any young pitcher and say THIS GUY is going to be that guy. You just don't know. Some guys turn out that way. Other top end guys were mid rotation types on their way up and developed better than anyone expected. Should the Twins continue to add talent? Absolutely. But just because someone's ranking system doesn't name a particular guy or two as a front line, top of the order pitcher right now doesn't mean one or two can't turn out that way. Right now, today, the key is to develop and maximize what IS in the system.
  25. DocBauer
    Great article Parker! Thank you. I find this new approach very refreshing! I find the aversion to weight training and the such to be perplexing. Players, particularly pitchers, don't need to bulk up, but strength development...as well as flexability...help build performance and endurance and help prevent injury. If a pitcher's legs and drive are so important, for example, then why wouldn't you want to build up a pitcher's lower body? I enjoyed the section regarding no two pitchers being exactly the same, and recognizing a pitcher's best pitch, how much he is using it, and pointing out how a pitch may be working differently in actuality vs said pitcher's perspective on it. I've said for some time the big changes the new FO will bring in 2017 are less on player change, and more on behind the scenes organizational changes and review and development of the players on hand.
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